In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KEF. KEF Q8 Meta is a Surround speaker whereas the Q7 Meta is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q8 Meta and KEF Q7 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF Q8 Meta | KEF Q7 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | 12th Generation Uni-Q | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 0.75" Hard dome |
|---|
| Midrange | — | 4" |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" | 2 x 6.5" Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 105-20k Hz | 46-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 86 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | Up to 200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.49kg / 9.9lbs | 18.45kg / 40.6lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 7-1/8" x 10-1/4"
176.2 x 181.0 x 260.4mm | 39.4" x 12.5" x 12.4"
1001 x 317 x 315 mm |
|---|
Q8 Meta and Q7 Meta are members of KEF's Q Meta series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
KEF Q Meta Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Q8 Meta is a 2-way design whereas the Q7 Meta is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
KEF Q8 MetaKEF Q7 Meta
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF Q8 Meta |
KEF Q7 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Q8 Meta features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the Q7 Meta features a 0.75" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard dome Tweeter, a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 440 Hz, 2.3 kHz.
Frequency Response
Q8 Meta has a frequency range of 105-20k Hz whereas Q7 Meta has a frequency range of 46-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Q7 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q8 Meta's min frequency of 105Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Q8 Meta and Q7 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q8 Meta sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Q7 Meta's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF Q7 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q8 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Q8 Meta and the Q8 Meta can provide this impedance level.
Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Q8 Meta features Binding Post type posts and Q7 Meta has a Binding Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KEF Q8 Meta's and KEF Q7 Meta's external dimensions. KEF Q8 Meta has external dimensions of 176.2 x 181.0 x 260.4mm () whereas KEF Q7 Meta has external dimensions of 1001 x 317 x 315 mm (39.4 x 12.5 x 12.4 in.).
KEF Q7 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 136mm wider, 824.8mm taller and 54.6mm deeper than KEF Q8 Meta.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF Q7 Meta needs about 112% more floor or shelf area. KEF Q7 Meta is 55mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. KEF Q7 Meta is 825mm taller.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the KEF Q8 Meta is approximately 471.3cm2 / 73.1inch2 and base area of the KEF Q7 Meta is approximately 998.6cm2 / 154.8inch2. The Q8 Meta requires 53% less surface area than the Q7 Meta which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF Q7 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the Q7 Meta:
- Q7 Meta
- Magnetic grilles
- Plinth and rubber feet
- Port bungs
- User manual and warranty information